Bridge still one of the best

Gus Poyet has hailed Wayne Bridge as still one of the best left-backs in England.

The 32-year-old former Chelsea defender has been outstanding since joining Albion on loan from Manchester City for the season.

Seagulls chief Poyet said: “I am very happy that he is playing for us and not in the Manchester derby.

“He is a Premiership player and he has been in two of the top four teams. We are very lucky, so if we can play him and keep him fit it’s a bonus for us.

“He is quality and that’s why he has been where he has been. When I was at Spurs we were looking for a left-back and we couldn’t find one. The top three in England were Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and Nicky Shorey.

“(Leighton) Baines went to another level and he has been impressive. I think Wayne should be there with them. Somehow we have got him, which is great, so let’s make sure he performs for us and enjoys playing football for us.”

Bridge, missing for the last four matches with a calf injury, and Adam El-Abd (hamstring) are on course to ease the defensive shortage at Charlton tomorrow after taking part in yesterday’s training session at The Amex.

Comments (12)

I have to say that I am amazed that the deal went thru to get him to Brighton. It's great that Bridge was happy to come to us but why didn't any of the pren teams snap him up, even if only as a squad player. I can see why City didn't need him but Southampton, Reading, Norwich, Stoke and others, all had the chance to get him and I would think some are probably kicking themselves for not making a move.

The guy is a free agent for next season which begs the question, do we have the way withall to persuade him to sign for one more year. I hope we can keep him and if there is a wage cap that is an obstacle, poll the rest of the squad and ask them if they agree to breaking the cap for such a vital asset.

Sadly I still think he will be playing nearer my front door than Gus Poyet's.

,

I have to say that I am amazed that the deal went thru to get him to Brighton. It's great that Bridge was happy to come to us but why didn't any of the pren teams snap him up, even if only as a squad player. I can see why City didn't need him but Southampton, Reading, Norwich, Stoke and others, all had the chance to get him and I would think some are probably kicking themselves for not making a move.
The guy is a free agent for next season which begs the question, do we have the way withall to persuade him to sign for one more year. I hope we can keep him and if there is a wage cap that is an obstacle, poll the rest of the squad and ask them if they agree to breaking the cap for such a vital asset.
Sadly I still think he will be playing nearer my front door than Gus Poyet's.
,VegasSeagull

Agree with Vegas. Even with promotion we would struggle to meet his current salary, but then very few clubs could. Don't MLS have a wage cap? He is not in Beckhams league so would have to be a special signing for whoever wanted him. We could probably match any normal offer from there. But then the allure of LA to his girlfriend would be pretty strong.
With promotion though we would be a fairly attractive proposition, I would think.

Agree with Vegas. Even with promotion we would struggle to meet his current salary, but then very few clubs could. Don't MLS have a wage cap? He is not in Beckhams league so would have to be a special signing for whoever wanted him. We could probably match any normal offer from there. But then the allure of LA to his girlfriend would be pretty strong.
With promotion though we would be a fairly attractive proposition, I would think.Ken in Spain

In the MLS very few players have a transfer fee, those that do are entitled, 'designated players.' By being designated it means that you have a transfer fee, you can be sold. The vast majority of the players are traded free of a fee. Any player that is deignated, just the same as over in the UK, will negotiate his deal thru his agent so the wages will be what ever they will be.

There is no promotion as there is currently only one level and for that reason, the weaker teams will be given one or two, maybe more, of the better players to keep them attractive to the supporters. As the years go on more teams will arrive, indeed Beckham is almost certainly going to own one, probably down Miami way.
As the league gets bigger it will handle it's business just as we do.

I see Wigan have stepped in to the MLS for a midfield player, for the life of me I can't recall him name but I do know that he is very capable.
If the player is not designated the governing body will set his transfer fee.

I do hope that Brighton are monitering the MLS as there are a few gems over here.

In the MLS very few players have a transfer fee, those that do are entitled, 'designated players.' By being designated it means that you have a transfer fee, you can be sold. The vast majority of the players are traded free of a fee. Any player that is deignated, just the same as over in the UK, will negotiate his deal thru his agent so the wages will be what ever they will be.
There is no promotion as there is currently only one level and for that reason, the weaker teams will be given one or two, maybe more, of the better players to keep them attractive to the supporters. As the years go on more teams will arrive, indeed Beckham is almost certainly going to own one, probably down Miami way.
As the league gets bigger it will handle it's business just as we do.
I see Wigan have stepped in to the MLS for a midfield player, for the life of me I can't recall him name but I do know that he is very capable.
If the player is not designated the governing body will set his transfer fee.
I do hope that Brighton are monitering the MLS as there are a few gems over here.VegasSeagull

VegasSeagull wrote:
I have to say that I am amazed that the deal went thru to get him to Brighton. It's great that Bridge was happy to come to us but why didn't any of the pren teams snap him up, even if only as a squad player. I can see why City didn't need him but Southampton, Reading, Norwich, Stoke and others, all had the chance to get him and I would think some are probably kicking themselves for not making a move.

The guy is a free agent for next season which begs the question, do we have the way withall to persuade him to sign for one more year. I hope we can keep him and if there is a wage cap that is an obstacle, poll the rest of the squad and ask them if they agree to breaking the cap for such a vital asset.

Sadly I still think he will be playing nearer my front door than Gus Poyet's.

,

Very good post Vegas Seagull.Now think about what i always say about most other clubs doing there home work on players before they sign them,and then read Poyets words in the LuaLua story.The football world is very small,and things are very easy to get around about players & what they are upto away from their clubs.There was a very big ? about Mr,Bridges love for the game still before he came to Brighton.He has now made his point & put himself back in the window for one more big contact.100% if we don't go up this season him & most of our best players will find themself at most of the clubs you list above.

[quote][p][bold]VegasSeagull[/bold] wrote:
I have to say that I am amazed that the deal went thru to get him to Brighton. It's great that Bridge was happy to come to us but why didn't any of the pren teams snap him up, even if only as a squad player. I can see why City didn't need him but Southampton, Reading, Norwich, Stoke and others, all had the chance to get him and I would think some are probably kicking themselves for not making a move.
The guy is a free agent for next season which begs the question, do we have the way withall to persuade him to sign for one more year. I hope we can keep him and if there is a wage cap that is an obstacle, poll the rest of the squad and ask them if they agree to breaking the cap for such a vital asset.
Sadly I still think he will be playing nearer my front door than Gus Poyet's.
,[/p][/quote]Very good post Vegas Seagull.Now think about what i always say about most other clubs doing there home work on players before they sign them,and then read Poyets words in the LuaLua story.The football world is very small,and things are very easy to get around about players & what they are upto away from their clubs.There was a very big ? about Mr,Bridges love for the game still before he came to Brighton.He has now made his point & put himself back in the window for one more big contact.100% if we don't go up this season him & most of our best players will find themself at most of the clubs you list above.Freeloaders

Having trained trained on Thursday I am slightly more optimistic about Bridge and El-Arb playing against Charlton. With luck both will play.
If we get promoted this season (big if) then we might have a chance of retaining/securing Bridge's services. If we don't then I am sure he will move on which is quite understandable.
With the January window opening 3 weeks on Monday I get the impression that we will some inward movement recruitment wise. I suspect Poyet's will be pretty frustrated if he doesn't acquire another striker especially as he has been on record for the last 18 months saying one was needed. Perhaps now is the time for him to give Hosko a run of games to see if his potential can be realised.
Expect another defender, a CB probably to join as well. I suspect that any other additions will depend on departures. As Poyet's said 'Cash is key'.
Talking of potential recruits there is a very promising young winger called Ryan Fraser playing for Aberdeen who has just turned down that club's new contract offer. he is decidedly quick and equally at ease on either flank. He would be a good replacement for Noone.
I read in the Argus this week that Lopez might be brought in to replace the injured Orlandi. In the article Lopez's 'delivery skills' were likened to Beckham's. That's fine if there is someone you can pass to who is good or at least reasonable in the air. It might just be that Hosko might provide the best option in that regard from the current squad.

Having trained trained on Thursday I am slightly more optimistic about Bridge and El-Arb playing against Charlton. With luck both will play.
If we get promoted this season (big if) then we might have a chance of retaining/securing Bridge's services. If we don't then I am sure he will move on which is quite understandable.
With the January window opening 3 weeks on Monday I get the impression that we will some inward movement recruitment wise. I suspect Poyet's will be pretty frustrated if he doesn't acquire another striker especially as he has been on record for the last 18 months saying one was needed. Perhaps now is the time for him to give Hosko a run of games to see if his potential can be realised.
Expect another defender, a CB probably to join as well. I suspect that any other additions will depend on departures. As Poyet's said 'Cash is key'.
Talking of potential recruits there is a very promising young winger called Ryan Fraser playing for Aberdeen who has just turned down that club's new contract offer. he is decidedly quick and equally at ease on either flank. He would be a good replacement for Noone.
I read in the Argus this week that Lopez might be brought in to replace the injured Orlandi. In the article Lopez's 'delivery skills' were likened to Beckham's. That's fine if there is someone you can pass to who is good or at least reasonable in the air. It might just be that Hosko might provide the best option in that regard from the current squad.ballantrrae

ballantrrae wrote:
Having trained trained on Thursday I am slightly more optimistic about Bridge and El-Arb playing against Charlton. With luck both will play.
If we get promoted this season (big if) then we might have a chance of retaining/securing Bridge's services. If we don't then I am sure he will move on which is quite understandable.
With the January window opening 3 weeks on Monday I get the impression that we will some inward movement recruitment wise. I suspect Poyet's will be pretty frustrated if he doesn't acquire another striker especially as he has been on record for the last 18 months saying one was needed. Perhaps now is the time for him to give Hosko a run of games to see if his potential can be realised.
Expect another defender, a CB probably to join as well. I suspect that any other additions will depend on departures. As Poyet's said 'Cash is key'.
Talking of potential recruits there is a very promising young winger called Ryan Fraser playing for Aberdeen who has just turned down that club's new contract offer. he is decidedly quick and equally at ease on either flank. He would be a good replacement for Noone.
I read in the Argus this week that Lopez might be brought in to replace the injured Orlandi. In the article Lopez's 'delivery skills' were likened to Beckham's. That's fine if there is someone you can pass to who is good or at least reasonable in the air. It might just be that Hosko might provide the best option in that regard from the current squad.

Apologies for the literals etc. Trying to type on my new smart phone !

[quote][p][bold]ballantrrae[/bold] wrote:
Having trained trained on Thursday I am slightly more optimistic about Bridge and El-Arb playing against Charlton. With luck both will play.
If we get promoted this season (big if) then we might have a chance of retaining/securing Bridge's services. If we don't then I am sure he will move on which is quite understandable.
With the January window opening 3 weeks on Monday I get the impression that we will some inward movement recruitment wise. I suspect Poyet's will be pretty frustrated if he doesn't acquire another striker especially as he has been on record for the last 18 months saying one was needed. Perhaps now is the time for him to give Hosko a run of games to see if his potential can be realised.
Expect another defender, a CB probably to join as well. I suspect that any other additions will depend on departures. As Poyet's said 'Cash is key'.
Talking of potential recruits there is a very promising young winger called Ryan Fraser playing for Aberdeen who has just turned down that club's new contract offer. he is decidedly quick and equally at ease on either flank. He would be a good replacement for Noone.
I read in the Argus this week that Lopez might be brought in to replace the injured Orlandi. In the article Lopez's 'delivery skills' were likened to Beckham's. That's fine if there is someone you can pass to who is good or at least reasonable in the air. It might just be that Hosko might provide the best option in that regard from the current squad.[/p][/quote]Apologies for the literals etc. Trying to type on my new smart phone !ballantrrae

VegasSeagull wrote:
I have to say that I am amazed that the deal went thru to get him to Brighton. It's great that Bridge was happy to come to us but why didn't any of the pren teams snap him up, even if only as a squad player. I can see why City didn't need him but Southampton, Reading, Norwich, Stoke and others, all had the chance to get him and I would think some are probably kicking themselves for not making a move.

The guy is a free agent for next season which begs the question, do we have the way withall to persuade him to sign for one more year. I hope we can keep him and if there is a wage cap that is an obstacle, poll the rest of the squad and ask them if they agree to breaking the cap for such a vital asset.

Sadly I still think he will be playing nearer my front door than Gus Poyet's.

,

He is still getting the Premier league wages, and he doesn't have to shake hands with John Terry twice a season playing for us.

[quote][p][bold]VegasSeagull[/bold] wrote:
I have to say that I am amazed that the deal went thru to get him to Brighton. It's great that Bridge was happy to come to us but why didn't any of the pren teams snap him up, even if only as a squad player. I can see why City didn't need him but Southampton, Reading, Norwich, Stoke and others, all had the chance to get him and I would think some are probably kicking themselves for not making a move.
The guy is a free agent for next season which begs the question, do we have the way withall to persuade him to sign for one more year. I hope we can keep him and if there is a wage cap that is an obstacle, poll the rest of the squad and ask them if they agree to breaking the cap for such a vital asset.
Sadly I still think he will be playing nearer my front door than Gus Poyet's.
,[/p][/quote]He is still getting the Premier league wages, and he doesn't have to shake hands with John Terry twice a season playing for us.Baldseagull

A short while ago you recommended a streaming site for games but I can't find the thread. Could you let me know what it is again?

Cheers!

Sorry...this is off topic but it's for Vegas if you're online:
A short while ago you recommended a streaming site for games but I can't find the thread. Could you let me know what it is again?
Cheers!albionbloke

albionbloke wrote:
.....or if anyone else out there can recommend a decent streaming site, I'd be grateful!

Cheers!

OK...got it now (it was CoolSportz.tv) and it was Tug 509 who posted it (thanks mate!)

[quote][p][bold]albionbloke[/bold] wrote:
.....or if anyone else out there can recommend a decent streaming site, I'd be grateful!
Cheers![/p][/quote]OK...got it now (it was CoolSportz.tv) and it was Tug 509 who posted it (thanks mate!)albionbloke

Firstrowsport.com works for me. If you go there you will find 3 or 4 links to the game one of them will work fine. There will be the odd AD that pops up on the screen but you can X that out and continue watching. .

Firstrowsport.com works for me. If you go there you will find 3 or 4 links to the game one of them will work fine. There will be the odd AD that pops up on the screen but you can X that out and continue watching. .VegasSeagull